HILARY SWANK has been acting since the age of nine, where she starred in several local plays in her native Bellingham, Washington.

Her first major film role came in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as Kimberly, Buffy's best friend. In 1994, she was chosen over thousands of actresses coast to coast for the role of Julie Pierce in Columbia Pictures' "The Next Karate Kid." Her most recent film is the independent feature "The Way We Are," directed by Joseph Rusnak.

On television Swank appeared on "Beverly Hills, 90210" as Carly Molloy and as a series regular on "Camp Wilder" opposite Jay Mohr, Jerry O'Connell and Tina Marjarino.

Swank resides in Los Angeles and is an active supporter of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.